This trip leaves Lee's Ferry and enters Marble Canyon. Its polished limestone layered with bands of sand and siltstones rise dramatically above the river with each mile passed, soaring thousands of feet to the rim. This same seemingly impervious limestone has allowed the river to scoop out the huge expanse of Red Wall Cavern at the river's edge is one of many attractions in this stretch. Underground springs gush from the fern covered rock at Vasey's Paradise and side streams carve bowl-like pools at Silver Grotto, Saddle and North Canyons. Nautilus fossils and ancient Anasazi granaries await the hiker.

The sequence of rapids through this 88 miles couldn't be better orchestrated. Beginning with the medium sized Badger, House Rock and Unkar rapids then on to the crescendo beginning with Nevills rapid then builds quickly with Hance (the longest) and Sockdolager rapids. Amplified by the imposing walls of the Upper Granite Gorge the grand finale hits its high notes at Grapevine and Zoroaster rapids then the last few miles finish with a quiet serenade.

Evening in camp is a time to enjoy meals your "chefs" have prepared. You may even want to bring a collapsible fishing pole and gear to try your luck on trout or catfish. Or you can pitch in with camp chores, read, relax, bathe, visit with other trip members or take an evening stroll up a side canyon. After the sun goes down you can get acquainted and share stories before bedding down under the stars.

Your final destination point for the river portion of this trip is Phantom Ranch deep within the Canyon's inner gorge. This is where you part company with the rafts. Lunch and water is provided before you begin the 10-mile hike out on the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim. We do not recommend this hike unless you are in excellent physical condition and have done a lot of uphill hiking. You will ascend over 5,000 feet in elevation from river to rim and temperatures vary greatly. The hike will take 6 to 8 hours depending n the individuals ability to hike up a good but strenuous trail. (For a more detailed craft description and packing list, please CLICK HERE.)

Craft	Number of Days	Price starts at:
Motorized	3 to 5	$895 pp
Oar	5 to 6	$1,500 pp
Hybrid	5 to 7	$1,400 pp
Paddle	5 to 6	$1,400 pp

To gain a good understanding about hiking the Grand Canyon see information about the video "Hiking the Grand Canyon - The Corridor Trails."